Akakan Umoh
Akwa Ibom Government has returned 44 nationals rescued from human trafficking camps at Umo Ekpo, Ifuho community in Ikot Ekpene and Ekpri Nsukara community in Uyo Local Government Area, to Ghanaian authorities.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princes Emem Ibanga, assisted by Mr Leslie Lawson at the Department of State Security, DSS, operational office in Uyo, released the trafficked persons comprising 27 males and 17 females to an official of the Ghana High Commission, reiterated the determination of the State government to safeguarding lives and maintaining a secured environment.
Ibanga stated that security of lives and property as reflected in the Arise Agenda blueprint of Umo Eno administration has remained a top priority as the administration has invested in security infrastructure and logistics for effective operations besides ensuring strengthened collaboration with security agencies and ensuring a zero tolerance to human trafficking, kidnapping and other organized crimes.
“This successful operation is not an isolated achievement. It is a reflection of the deliberate and strategic commitment of the Governor, to safeguarding lives and maintaining a secure environment for all residents.
“Under his leadership, security has remained a top priority through: Strengthened collaboration with security agencies, ensuring intelligence sharing and rapid response to threats, continuous investment in security infrastructure and logistics to enhance operational effectiveness, community-based security engagement, empowering local communities to serve as the first line of defense; and a zero-tolerance on criminality, including human trafficking, kidnapping, and organized crime,” she said.
Ibanga explained that the victims were held in dire conditions after they were defrauded, coerced and lured into the state with a promise of a golden fleece in Europe .
The Commissioner added that upon their rescue, the State government provided care and succour to the victims and initiated the process of their safe return to their country to reunite with their families.
She particularly commended the DSS and other security agencies for outsmarting the human trafficking syndicate and ensuring the release of the victims in their designated camps.
Recounting their ordeal, one of the victims Gideon Yeboah, said that he was defrauded of 30,000 Cedis and held hostage since February 25 at a camp at Ifuho community in Ikot Ekpene.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Water ways, Brig. Gen. Koko Essien, rtd, lauded the successful rescue operation, warning that people should be vigilant and be wary of larger than life offers even from close persons.
Essien also commended the security agencies for keying into the security trust of the Arise Agenda by combating criminality in the State.
On his part, Mr Lawson expressed appreciation to the State government for the rescue mission, assuring that the High Commission will ensure that each of the victims is united with their families.
Similarly, the State Director of Security, Mr Nudim Iroakazui, advised the victims to see their experience as an eye opener and be at alert to the activities of human trafficking syndicates and other fraudsters, pledging continued security collaboration in tackling criminality in the State.
He called on the victims to be part of their home country’s Ministry of Youths and Sports campaign against human trafficking and the quest for greener pasture abroad.
Gov Eno Happy with work pace at Victor Attah Airport
Governor Umo Eno was happy with the pace of work at the Victor Attah International Airport, VAIA, saying the State is on track ahead of the planned take off of international flight.
Speaking with Government House Correspondents shortly after a review meeting and an inspection tour of the neo-terminal building at the airport, the Governor said his administration was taking necessary steps to ensure that all critical components on the check list of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority are being properly put in place before the commencement of international operations.
The Governor commended the project handlers for the progress recorded while identifying few gaps for necessary urgent attention to fast- tract the process.
“My assessment is that work is in progress. To open an airport, we need all of the details, and that is what we are doing now. We are moving as you can see for yourself. The gaps that have been identified, we are closing them.
“Don’t also forget that some of these equipment are coming in from outside the country. There are few delays due to several things, but generally, I can tell you we are on track,” he said.
Governor Eno appealed to the Managing Director of Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi, and his team, to deplore their wealth of experience in the aviation sector to realize the vision behind the administration’s idea of making the VAIA a regional aviation hub, for the benefit of the State.
